-RBA
*Minnesota
*Detroit Lakes
*March 29, 2012
*MNDL1203.29

-Birds mentioned -Transcript

Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes
Date: March 29, 2012
Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce
Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours)
Compiler: Jeanie Joppru ([log in to unmask])

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 29, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

How different from last week the weather has been, but still above normal temperatures, although very chilly. Migration seems to have stalled somewhat, but waterfowl continue to come north.

Beth Siverhus in Roseau County reported that the RING-BILLED GULLS returned this week , along with many ducks. MERLINS are being seen in both Warroad and Roseau.

In Clearwater County, Connie Cox observed NORTHERN FLICKER on March 29.

Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County reported that Jim Graham saw 75 CANVASBACKS on Headquarters Pool on March 28, and WOOD DUCKS are being seen in the interior of the refuge. Increasing numbers of RED-TAILED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTRELS, and some NORTHERN FLICKERS are being seen. Lisa Newton in Grygla reported WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, and HOUSE FINCH.

Here in Pennington County, several pairs of WOOD DUCKS and HOODED MERGANSERS are in the Red Lake River by our house daily. Lynda Knutsen saw a GREAT BLUE HERON south of Thief River Falls along US 59 on March 23.

Heidi Hughes reported hundreds of TUNDRA SWANS south of Warren, and 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS along 190th St NW and 300th Ave NW on March 23. EASTERN PHOEBE was observed by Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County on March 27. Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks, saw AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, FOX SPARROWS, and COOPER'S HAWK on March 26. The EASTERN TOWHEE that spent the winter in her neighborhood reappeared on March 24.

Dave and Betty Hochhalter in Becker County observed KILLDEER, MOURNING DOVE, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SONG SPARROW, and PURPLE FINCH in and around Detroit Lakes this week. Beau Shroyer saw AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, and 50-100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS in the industrial park north on CR 21.

Hubbard County sightings by Marshall Howe included COMMON LOON on March 25, BARRED OWL on March 28, and FOX SPARROWS and PINE SISKINS on March 29. Connie Cox at Itasca State Park reported that there are SANDHILL CRANES at the park. CEDAR WAXWINGS were observed in Park Rapids on March 26.

Thanks to all who sent in sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at [log in to unmask] OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN